<![CDATA[Background: The Maternal and Child Health (MCH) Handbook is an important educational tool for improving pregnant women's knowledge of maternal health, particularly their ability to recognize pregnancy danger signs. Adequate understanding of its content and benefits may support early detection of complications and timely access to appropriate healthcare. This study aimed to examine the relationship between mothers' knowledge of the MCH Handbook and their ability to recognize pregnancy danger signs among first-trimester pregnant women at Damuli Primary Health Center. Methods: This analytical observational study employed a cross-sectional design and was conducted from March to May 2026. A total of 35 first-trimester pregnant women were selected using total sampling. Knowledge of the MCH Handbook and the ability to recognize pregnancy danger signs were assessed using structured questionnaires. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and the Chi-square test with a 95% confidence level. Results: Most respondents demonstrated good knowledge of the MCH Handbook (40.0%) and good ability to recognize pregnancy danger signs (60.0%). Mothers with good knowledge were more likely to correctly recognize pregnancy danger signs than those with moderate or poor knowledge. The Chi-square test showed a significant relationship between MCH Handbook knowledge and the ability to recognize pregnancy danger signs (p=0.002). Conclusion: Knowledge of the MCH Handbook was significantly associated with the ability to recognize pregnancy danger signs. Continuous health education during antenatal care is essential to strengthen its utilization and support early detection of pregnancy complications.]]>
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